ABN AMRO Capital confirms buy-and-build strategy for Loparex with acquisition of Douglas-Hanson

ABN AMRO Capital, the private equity business of ABN AMRO, announces that their portfolio company Loparex have agreed to acquire Douglas-Hanson Company, a leading supplier of film and paper-based release liners, from its company founder. ABN AMRO Capital already has a majority stake in Loparex and this is the first step of a planned buy-and-build strategy. Loparex is the leading international producer of release liners for adhesive products. The two businesses will be merged following this acquisition. Since ABN AMRO Capital acquired Loparex in September 2005 it has aimed to significantly improve its position within the high growth and high margin film segment. The acquisition of Douglas-Hanson provides a strong strategic fit with Loparex. The two companies have overlapping technologies and as a combined entity will be in a position to improve efficiencies, waste reduction and accelerate new product introductions. Douglas-Hanson is the leader of the growing US film based release liner industry. The company operates out of its facility in Hammond, Wisconsin, USA. Douglas-Hanson converts paper and film substrates to release paper and film, as well as substrates for coating, printing, packaging and other industrial use. The company has distinguished itself as a premier supplier of films with one of the industry’s widest selections of polyester film. The combined business is estimated to have a combined turnover in 2006 in excess of EUR 400 million. It has strong positions in North America and Europe and a growing market share in Asia. Johan Bjurström, Managing Partner of ABN AMRO Capital’s Nordic team, said: “The Douglas-Hanson investment is an important step in developing Loparex and we are clearly very pleased to have been able to bring this acquisition to completion. ” ABN AMRO Capital will own 93% of the combined business, with the balance owned by Loparex’s management. Douglas-Hanson will be integrated into Loparex Inc and be run as a production unit within the US operation. Jack Taylor, CEO of Loparex Inc will continue to run the merged business. Sampo Bank and OKO Bank provided the senior debt for the transaction. Pentti Kallio, President & CEO of Loparex Group, said: ”We see an excellent fit between Douglas-Hanson and Loparex and are very pleased that ABN AMRO Capital have enabled us to deliver on our plan to further strengthen our market position and accelerate growth of both revenue and earnings.” Chris Hanson, founder and Chairman of Douglas-Hanson, said: “Being part of an international organisation like Loparex will allow us to further strengthen our operations and build on the expertise that we gained over the years. This buy-out is an important step forward in the history of Douglas-Hanson and I am looking forward to working together with Jack and his team here in the US.” - - - Press enquiries: Piers Townsend, ABN AMRO +44 20 7678 8244 Notes to Editors: Advisers ABN AMRO Capital Financial, Tax Deloitte&Touche Legal Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal Commercial Arthur D Little Environmental URS Insurance AON Vendor Advisers: Corporate finance RSM EquiCo Legal Briggs&Morgan